Doing Business in Canada - CPMA

Doing Business in Canada - CPMA

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• Importing apples from New Zealand: An inspection certificate prepared by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is recognized by the CFIA.

• Importing apples, onions and/or potatoes from Other Countries: They must be inspected and certified by CFIA upon arrival.

Section 4 Product Coding (UPCs, GTINs and PLUs)

1.4.1 Coding for your Products (UPCs, GTINs and PLUs)

Universal Product Codes (UPCs) UPCs (GTIN 12) are barcodes used on consumer-packaged items sold at retail. UPCs are used to identify fruits and vegetables sold with a fixed weight/count and are typically prepackaged. UPCs have been introduced to supermarkets to facilitate both the checkout process and inventory control and contain either a generic or company-specific prefix. In many cases, produce UPCs used are the generic (03383) UPCs assigned by CPMA in Canada and the former PMA (now IFPA) in the U.S.; however, a gradual shift to company specific UPCs has occurred. Following consultation with industry, the assignment of new generic UPCs ended on December 31, 2019. CPMA members are strongly encouraged to begin transitioning to the use of company specific UPCs. For more information on the benefits of using brand owner-specific UPCs and how to obtain them, please see From Generic U.P.C. to Brand Owner-Specific U.P.C. , developed by CPMA and PMA in collaboration with GS1 US, and United Fresh Produce Association.

Please note that while CPMA and IFPA will no longer issue generic UPCs, this will not impact the use of existing generic UPCs.

Learn more about UPCs

Product Look-Up (PLU) Codes PLU codes are used in retail locations to facilitate the checkout process. PLUs identify bulk and random or variable weight fruits and vegetables (and related items, such as nuts and herbs).

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